The use of photoperiod-treated bucks to induce a “male effect” does not compensate for the negative effects of nutritional restriction of the females in Mediterranean goats

This work examined the effect of acute nutritional restriction or supplementation one week before male introduction on the reproductive performances of the “male effect” when using photostimulated or control males in goats. On 22 March, 84 anoestrous does were placed with photostimulated bucks or with bucks which had received no treatments. One week before male introduction, the females were provided with different nutritional regimes: Supplemented, restricted or control females. The non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations were measured in the same samples. Fecundity, fertility, prolificacy and productivity were also determined. No interaction between both sources of variation was observed in any of the reproductive variables studied. Treatment of the bucks increased the percentage of females expressing behavioural oestrous associated with ovulation (71% vs 90% for Natural and Photo groups, respectively, P < 0.05). The Supplemented females showed higher ovulation rate than Restricted females (1.77 ± 0.13 vs 1.05 ± 0.05, P < 0.001), fecundity (71% vs 43%, P < 0.05); fertility (76% vs 29%, P < 0.05) and productivity (1.00 ± 0.15 vs 0.29 ± 0.11 kids per female, P < 0.01). In the Supplemented females, the higher reproductive results could be due to the lower NEFAs and higher IGF-1 concentrations at ovulation and at the time of oestrus compared to the Restricted females. Thus, the present experiment results demonstrate that nutrition is an important factor in the response to the “male effect” at Mediterranean latitudes, and its negative effect cannot be counterbalanced by using photostimulated bucks.This study was funded by Grant AGL2016-75848-R from MINECO- AEI-FEDER (Spain).The authors wish to thank the farm staff of Huelva University for their technical support. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva/CBUA

Carcase and meat quality of Blanca Andaluza kids fed exclusively with milk from their dams under organic and conventional grazing-based management systems

The number of organic farms is growing, but switching from conventional to organic production requires farms continue to produce high quality products. This study compares the carcase and meat quality of Blanca Andaluza goat suckling kids raised under organic and conventional grazing-based stock raising production systems. Twenty-four twin kids (12 males, 12 females) were selected from representative farms of each system. Body weight, dressing percentage, carcase linear measurements, non-carcase components, primary carcase and minor cuts, tissue composition, chemical composition and rheological variables, pH and colorimetric variables, were examined. No significant differences were seen between the production systems or sex with respect to most of the variables studied. However, some non-carcase components and colorimetric variables were affected, with the organic kids’ meat returning lower values for lightness, yellow index, chroma and Hue angle. Indeed, some of the meat colour variables examined easily discriminated between the animals raised under the different production systems. These results show that conventional grazing–based farms raising these goats could easily turn to organic production without carcase or meat quality being affected

Fatty acid composition of muscle and internal fat depots of organic and conventional Payoya goat kids

Interest in the preservation of autochthonous breeds such as the Payoya goat (dairy breed), raised using extensive or semi-extensive grazing, has also recently increased among Spanish farmers. A study of the possibilities of transformation to organic production needs to analyze the quality of their products, specially the suckled kids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) composition of Payoya goat kids under organic and conventional grazing�based management system. Forty-eight goat kids were selected (12 males and 12 females from each management system). The FA profile was determined in the Longissimus thoracis muscle, kidney and pelvic fat. Few gender differences were observed in the muscle and in the fat depots. The ratios of C14:0, C18:1 trans-11-(VA), and several n-3 FA were higher in organic kid meat than in conventionally reared kid meat. Conventional kid fat depots have presented higher percentage of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), lower CLA desaturase index, lower percentage of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acid (PUFA) and, consequently, higher n6:n3 PUFA ratio than organic kids. In conclusion, significant differences were found only in some FA percentages of muscle and adipose tissues of suckling kids raised in organic and conventional livestock production systems, probably due because the dams, in both experimental farms, were raised with similar semi-extensive system based on the grazing of natural pastures. Due to this reason, conventional grazing�based management farms could easily be transformed into organic production facilities

The Silhouettes Fatigue Scale: a validity study with individuals with physical disabilities and chronic pain.

Purpose: Fatigue is known to interfere with function in individuals with physical disabilities. In order to monitor changes in fatigue over time and evaluate the efficacy of treatments, psychometrically sound measures of fatigue are needed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the validity of the Silhouettes Fatigue Scale with English instructions (SFS-EN) in a sample of adults with physical disabilities living in the USA. Methods: Individuals with medical conditions associated with physical disabilities responded to an online survey that included the SFS-EN as well as another validated measure of fatigue (PROMIS short form-4a Fatigue Scale), and measures of pain intensity and pain catastrophizing. Results: 523 individuals participated (mean age ¼ 59.1 years; SD¼11.4). Most participants were Caucasian (89%), women (59%) and unemployed (71%). Results showed strong positive correlations between both measures of fatigue, supporting the convergent validity of the SFS-EN. In addition, the magnitude of this association was significantly greater than the association between the scores of the SFS-EN and the measures of pain intensity and pain catastrophizing, supporting the former’s discriminant validity. Conclusions: The findings extend previous results supporting the SFS as a brief, easy to administer and understand, and valid measure of fatigue

Physicians’ perception about predictors of opioid abuse in patients with chronic non-cancer pain: a Delphi study.

APC realizado, el artículo está en Open accessBackground: Opioids are being prescribed widely, and increasingly, for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). However, several side effects are associated with mid- and long-term opioid use and, for certain patients, with the risk of problematic opioid use. The aim of this study is to know the perception of the physicians about which variables could be associated within creased risk of patients with CNCP developing a problem of abuse or misuse of the prescribed opioid medication. Methods: Twenty-nine physicians with experience in CNCP pain management and opioids prescription participated in a two-round Delphi study focused on the risk factors for opioid misuse and abuse.Results: The variables that reached consensus regarding their relationship with the increased risk of suffering a problem of opioid abuse or misuse were: (1)Experiencing pain on a daily basis, (2) previous use of high-dose opioids, (3)generalized anxiety, (4) hopelessness, (5) benzodiazepine intake, (6) use of opioids for reasons other than pain, (7) family problems, family instability or family breakdown, and (8) having access to several opioid prescribers. The only variable that reached consensus regarding it not being associated to a possible risk of abuse or misuse was having mild pain intensity (0–4 on a NRS-11).Conclusions: This study provides useful information that could help make decisions about the use of opioids for CNCP treatment and prevent future difficulties. Prospective studies testing the relationship of the variables that reached consensus with the risk of opioid misuse and abuse are warranted. Significance: This study shows the variables of CNCP that the professional must take into account in order to avoid possible problems when prescribing opioidsThis work was partly funded by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Competitiveness, PID2019-106086RBI00; the Regional Government of Andalusia, UMA20-FEDERJA118. SG’s salary is supported by a Sara Borrell grant (CD19/ 00022), from ISCIII; RV’s salary is supported by a RYC2018- 024722-I from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation

Desarrollo de procesos de limpieza de materiales metálicos con tecnologías láser. Aplicación en patrimonio.

La limpieza láser es una técnica moderna que puede utilizarse para eliminar los productos de corrosión y la contaminación en objetos metálicos. Sin embargo, para implantar esta técnica como un procedimiento estándar de limpieza en conservación del patrimonio, todavía es necesario explorar y definir metodologías concretas. En este trabajo, se han desarrollado experimentos de limpieza láser modificando y optimizando parámetros que incluyen la potencia, la frecuencia de repetición de pulsos, el interlineado láser y la velocidad de barrido, empleando láseres pulsados que emiten con diferentes longitudes de onda (infrarrojo y ultravioleta) y diferentes anchuras de pulso (50 ns, 800 ps y 300 ps). También se han definido protocolos de limpieza combinando el uso de varios láseres y en diferentes atmósferas, habiendo realizado tratamientos en aire, con la muestra inmersa en agua o con una capa de hidrocarburos. Utilizando técnicas de caracterización que incluyen difracción de rayos X, microscopía electrónica de barrido (FESEM), espectroscopía Mössbauer y microscopía confocal, se ha determinado la composición química y la microestructura resultante y asociada a cada tipo de tratamiento láser realizado. Se ha prestado una especial atención a las transformaciones de los compuestos de Fe inducidas por irradiación láser

Sensory quality of meat from suckling kids of two indigenous Spanish goat breeds raised in grazing production systems

En España, hay un interés creciente por la conservación de las razas caprinas autóctonas con formas de producción basadas en el pastoreo y por la posibilidad de transformación en producciones ecológicas. El objetivo ha sido evaluar las características sensoriales de la carne de cabrito lechal de dos razas autóctonas, criados en sistemas de producción convencional y ecológica, basados en el pastoreo. Se utilizaron 21 cabritos lechales de los cuales 12 fueron criados en un sistema ecológico (6 de raza Payoya y 6 de raza Blanca Andaluza) y 9 en un sistema convencional (3 de raza Payoya y 6 de raza Blanca Andaluza). El perfil sensorial de la carne se evaluó mediante un panel analítico. Con relación al sistema de explotación, los resultados obtenidos indican que las carnes procedentes de sistemas ecológicos tenían menos intensidad de olor y una textura más blanda, tierna y jugosa que las carnes del sistema convencional. Respecto a la raza, el estudio mostró que las carnes de cabrito de la raza Blanca Andaluza presentaron una intensidad de olor menor y una textura más blanda, tierna y jugosa que las carnes de cabrito de la raza Payoya. Estos resultados preliminares podrían ser favorables para la transformación de las explotaciones convencionales, basadas en pastoreo, a ecológicas.In Spain, there is growing interest in the conservation of native goat breeds in grazing production systems, and the possibility of conventional farms transitioning to organic. This requires a complete understanding of the repercussions of this transition, including its effect on end product sensory quality. An evaluation was done of the sensory attributes of suckling goat meat from two indigenous Spanish breeds (Payoya and Blanca Andaluza) raised in conventional and organic grazing production systems. Of the 21 suckling kids used, 12 were raised in an organic system (6 Payoya and 6 Blanca Andaluza) and 9 in a conventional system (3 Payoya and 6 Blanca Andaluza). Meat sensory profile was evaluated by an analytical panel. The meat from kids raised in organic systems had less intensity of smell and a softer, more tender and juicier texture than meat from the conventional systems. Meat from Blanca Andaluza kids exhibited lower odor intensity and a softer, more tender and juicier texture than the Payoya kid meat. These are promising preliminary results that highlight some of the benefits resulting from the transition from conventional to organic grazing systems for goat production

ANF Therapy® for pain management. Feasibility, satisfaction, perceived symptom reduction and side effects. A real-world multisite observational study

[Purpose] Non-invasive and drug-free interventions for pain are being developed. One of them is ANF (which stands for “Amino Neuro Frequency”) Therapy®, which consists in the application of carbonized metal devices on a patient’s skin. We aimed to: 1) test perceived changes in pain intensity after ANF application, 2) record frequency and severity of side effects, 3) assess clinician and patient satisfaction, 4) explore effects on swelling and range of motion (ROM). [Participants and Methods] In this real-world multisite observational study, N=113 physical therapists in 45 countries, applied ANF to N=1,054 patients (Mage=45.2, 56.2% female) with pain complaints. Demographic data, pain intensity (NRS-11), effects of ANF on swelling and ROM, clinician and patient satisfaction and side effects were collected. [Results] Main pain locations were: low back (14.9%), knee (12.4%), neck (10%), and shoulder (9.6%). Pre-treatment pain intensity was high (Mean=7.6, SD=1.9). It significantly decreased posttreatment (Mean=3.1, SD=2.0), t(1053)=7.25, with a large effect size (Cohen’s d=2.2). Swelling decreased and ROM increased. Average satisfaction with ANF was 92/100. Patients often experienced mild side effects (42.3%): dry mouth, headache and fatigue. [Conclusion] Results show large effect sizes, high satisfaction, and mild and shortterm side effects. This is very promising but should be interpreted with caution considering the study limitations

Does Pain Catastrophizing and Distress Intolerance Mediate the Relationship Between PTSD and Prescribed Opioid Misuse in People With Chronic Noncancer Pain?

Última versión de borrador en PDFObjective: There is an ongoing debate on the use of long-term high-dose medically prescribed opioid analgesics for patients with chronic noncancer pain. Such use is elevated when there is comorbid pain and PTSD, which is quite prevalent. Therefore, it is relevant to investigate the psychological variables that may explain opioid misuse in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction effect of PTSD severity, distress intolerance, and pain catastrophizing on prescribed opioid misuse in chronic noncancer pain patients. Method: A total of 168 participants (M age = 60 years, 74% women) were assessed regarding opioid medication, pain intensity, traumatic psychological events, PTSD, distress intolerance, pain catastrophizing, and current opioid misuse. Results: Groups were formed according to the level of PTSD severity (no symptoms, moderate symptoms, and severe symptoms). Significant differences were found between the groups in pain intensity, catastrophizing, distress intolerance, and opioid misuse. The severe-symptoms group had the highest scores on all variables. There were no between-group differences in the prescribed medication. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between PTSD severity and opioid misuse was completely and independently mediated by distress intolerance and pain catastrophizing. Conclusions: Distress intolerance and pain catastrophizing may be theoretically and clinically relevant constructs in understanding the motivation for opioid misuse in people with concurrent chronic noncancer pain and PTSD

Psychological profiles and prescription opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal in people with chronic pain

Background. The negative consequences of prescription opioid misuse and opioid use disorder make it relevant to identify factors associated with this problem in individuals with chronic pain. This cross-sectional study aimed at identifying subgroups of people with chronic pain based on their psychological profiles, prescription opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal. Methods. The sample comprised 185 individuals with chronic pain. We performed hierarchical cluster analysis on impulsivity, anxiety sensitivity, pain acceptance, pain intensity, opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal. Results. The four-cluster solution was the optimal one. Misuse, craving, and anxiety sensitivity were higher among people in the Severe-problems cluster than among people in the other three clusters. Withdrawal was the highest in the High-withdrawal cluster. Impulsivity was higher among people in the Severe-problems and High-withdrawal clusters than those in the Moderate-problems and Mild-problems clusters. Pain acceptance was higher among people in the Mild-problems cluster than among people in the other three clusters. Anxiety sensitivity and misuse were higher among people in the Moderate-problems cluster than among people in the Mild-problems cluster. Conclusions. These results support that impulsivity, anxiety sensitivity, and pain acceptance are useful constructs to identify subgroups of people with chronic pain according to their level of prescription opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal. The results of this study may help in selecting the early intervention most suitable for each of the identified profiles...Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga/CBUA. This research was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2019-106086RB-I00), and the Regional Government of Andalusia (HUM-566; UMA20-FEDERJA-118). Rocío de la Vega's work is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation with a Ramon y Cajal contract (RYC2018-024722-I)